Caroline Weir Ruled Out of Scotland’s Crucial Sweden Play-Off

Scotland have suffered a major setback ahead of their decisive Women’s World Cup play-off against Sweden, with captain Caroline Weir ruled out after experiencing a delay in her recovery from a muscle injury.

The midfielder picked up the problem during the warm-up before Scotland’s victory over the Czech Republic in Paisley last month. She has not featured for Lyon since then, and the latest setback means she will miss both legs of the important tie.

Scotland will also be without Aston Villa forward Mia McAulay, who has recently been dealing with a calf injury. Newcastle United’s Beth Lumsden and Ipswich Town striker Eilidh Adams have been brought into the squad as replacements.

Head coach Melissa Andreatta admitted that losing Weir was disappointing but insisted her attention was firmly on the players available.

“Of course, we are disappointed for Caroline. She is our captain and has made it clear how much this team means to her,” Andreatta said.

“However, our focus has to remain on the squad we have. We need to work together, give everything we can and do what is necessary to get the result we want.”

Scotland will host Sweden in the first leg at Paisley on 1 December before travelling to Stockholm for the return fixture on 5 December. Fans can follow the latest football updates and match coverage through Football Score Today.

A place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil is within Scotland’s reach, although qualification is not guaranteed for the winner of this play-off. Depending on the final ranking of the European play-off winners, a further intercontinental play-off in February could still be required.

Sweden will provide a formidable challenge. They have qualified for every Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 1991 and finished third in each of the previous two tournaments.

Despite the strength of their opponents, Andreatta believes Scotland have the quality and determination to compete.

“We are not afraid of anyone. There is plenty of quality in this squad, and we have already demonstrated our character and what we can achieve,” she added.

“I feel confident because of the work we have put in, our preparation and the experience within the team.”

Scotland Women’s Squad for Sweden Play-Off

Goalkeepers

• Sandy MacIver (Washington Spirit)
• Eartha Cumings (Manchester City)
• Lee Gibson (Glasgow City)

Defenders

• Georgia Brown (SC Jacksonville)
• Jenna Clark (Liverpool)
• Nicola Docherty (Rangers)
• Sophie Howard (Como)
• Emma Lawton (Ipswich Town)
• Rachel McLauchlan (Newcastle United)
• Amy Muir (Glasgow City)

Midfielders

• Chelsea Cornet (Birmingham City)
• Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea)
• Christy Grimshaw (AC Milan)
• Sam Kerr (Liverpool)
• Beth Lumsden (Newcastle United)
• Kirsty Maclean (Liverpool)
• Maria McAneny (Celtic)
• Miri Taylor (Aston Villa)

Forwards

• Eilidh Adams (Ipswich Town)
• Lauren Davidson (SK Brann)
• Claire Emslie (Angel City)
• Freya Gregory (Newcastle United)
• Kirsty Hanson (Tottenham Hotspur)
• Kirsty Howat (Crystal Palace)
• Kathleen McGovern (Newcastle United)
• Martha Thomas (Newcastle United)